EEG

When a procedure is necessary

This type of EEG is prescribed in cases where it is necessary to study the brain during sleep or identify disorders associated with this condition. The study is indicated in case of suspicion of various pathologies affecting sleep or manifesting mainly at night. The main indications for diagnosis include:

• Suspicion of epilepsy, since some forms of seizures, such as nocturnal paroxysms, appear only in sleep.
• Insomnia, hypersomnia, narcolepsy or parasomnia, such as sleepwalking, nightmares.
• Obstructive sleep apnea, which requires the identification of changes in brain activity associated with respiratory arrest.
• Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease or dementia, which can be accompanied by sleep disorders.
• The study of cognitive impairment helps to identify changes associated with the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases.

The study may also be recommended for children with suspected developmental delays or behavioral disorders, as sleep plays a key role in the development of the nervous system.

How does the study go?

The EEG sleep procedure is non-invasive and safe, but requires careful preparation. The patient is advised to avoid caffeine, alcohol and certain medications that may affect sleep. The doctor clarifies the history and explains how the whole process will proceed. The study is carried out in a specially equipped room that provides comfort and silence so that the patient can relax and fall asleep, after which certain steps are required:

• Electrodes are applied to the scalp (usually from 19 to 32), which are fixed with a special gel or paste. The electrodes are connected to the electroencephalograph.
• The patient falls asleep naturally or light sedatives are used. During sleep, electrical signals from the brain are recorded, and breathing, eye movements and muscle activity can also be tracked.
• A doctor or technician monitors the process to ensure the quality of the recording and, if necessary, adjust the position of the electrodes.

The procedure can last from a few hours (day EEG) to a whole night (night EEG). The patient does not experience discomfort, as the study is completely painless.

Diagnostic results

The results of the survey are a graphic image of the electrical activity of the brain in the form of waves of different frequencies and amplitudes. These data are analyzed by a specialist to identify pathological changes and assess the structure of sleep. The main aspects that are evaluated by the results of EEG sleep include:

• Determining the correctness of the alternation of sleep stages (fast and slow sleep), as well as their duration.
• Epileptiform activity–abnormal discharges characteristic of epilepsy are detected.
• There are episodes of apnea or hypopnea that affect sleep quality.
• There are deviations in brain activity associated with neurological or mental disorders.
• Pathological movements such as restless legs syndrome or bruxism are recorded.

After analyzing the data, the doctor makes a conclusion, which indicates the presence or absence of pathologies, as well as recommendations for further treatment. For example, if sleep apnea is detected, CPAP therapy may be prescribed (CPAP therapy).–Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Epilepsy–anticonvulsant drugs.

This kind of research–powerful diagnostic tool that helps not only to identify violations, but also to choose an effective treatment. Due to the high information content and safety, the method is widely used in modern medicine, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of patients.

If any alarming symptoms appear, contact Neuro-clinic, where experienced specialists will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. We have modern equipment, which allows us to guarantee the accuracy of the data obtained, on the basis of which an individual treatment program will be drawn up. An important advantage of our clinic is the affordable price of all procedures.